Dechert – “Making some headway, but still needs some improvement.”

Pros

The coworkers are great. It's not difficult to cultivate strong working relationships here because most of the employees have respect for one another. There are opportunities to make networking contacts. There are some fun perks to the job, such as event tickets. And, the firm does a nice job with hosting events like the Christmas party. The firm also sponsors a softball team that competes in the New York Lawyers League, which is a great way to bond with other employees with whom you wouldn't normally come into contact. The location of the New York office is very convenient. I would consider the IT department a strong suit for the firm. They are always available, and very knowledgeable. They keep the office up and running.

Cons

The firm seems to be more concerned with recruiting people that went to top schools rather than recruiting solid employees who would contribute to a healthy organizational culture. Some of the partners and associates think nothing of their disrespectful treatment of other employees.
The management leaves a lot to be desired. I have more education than my direct supervisor, who also possesses absolutely no communication skills. Complaints about working relationships are only taken seriously when the offending party is low on the totem pole, and bad behavior is tolerated by those with seniority and partnership. There is plenty of training offered and required for legal support staff, but none for attorneys unless they request it. The culture here could be greatly improved if everyone at the firm were all on the same page when it comes to simple things like document production.

Advice to Senior Management

Get rid of the secretarial supervisors. Let current secretaries meet with potential candidates and listen to their feedback before making a hiring decision. When you ask for feedback with regard to issues with the job/firm/teams, LISTEN. Require all employees to attend technical workshops. Offer and require attendance at workshops focused on treating all employees, regardless of job title, with respect. When there are complaints about associates and partners, take the complaints seriously, and take active steps to correct the problems. You will have happier employees, a more productive work force, and a better office environment.